Katydid vs Tree Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Katydid	Tree Weta
Scientific Name	Pterophylla camellifolia	Hemideina thoracica
Order	Orthoptera	Orthoptera
Family	Tettigoniidae	Anostostomatidae
Size	45-65 mm	40-60 mm body length
Habitat	Underground	Woodlands
Diet	Wood Feeders	Fruit Feeders
Regions	North America	Oceania
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Katydid

Nocturnal insects with leaf-shaped wings providing excellent camouflage. Named for their rhythmic "katy-did, katy-didn't" calls. Have ears on their front legs.

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Did You Know?

Katydids have their ears on their front knees — each leg contains a tiny slit-like tympanum that detects sound waves, allowing them to hear predators and mates.

Tree Weta

A common weta species found throughout the North Island of New Zealand. It shelters in tree holes during the day and forages for food at night.

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Did You Know?

Tree weta can survive being frozen solid; their blood contains special proteins that prevent ice crystals from damaging their cells.